The Bureau of Reclamation and U.S. Geological Survey will join together on Thursday, October 9, to dedicate a new energy-efficient building built to accommodate both federal agencies. The event will take place between 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. at 230 Collins Road.

Invited guests will join Reclamation Commissioner John Keys and Bob Hirsch, USGS Chief Hydrologist, who will share opening remarks during a brief ceremony. They will be joined by USGS Regional Director Doug Buffington, and Reclamation Regional Director Bill McDonald. Tours of the building will follow the ribbon cutting.

After 91 years, the familiar red brick building at 214 Broadway Avenue is no longer home to Reclamation's Snake River Area Office. When Reclamation first occupied the Broadway Avenue building, the Boise Diversion Dam was only 4 years old and Arrowrock Dam was a plan on paper.

The bringing together of Reclamation and USGS is a visit back to the future for both agencies. Back in 1902, the Reclamation Service was created as a branch of the Geological Survey under the direction of F.H. Newell, chief hydrographer. Legislation has recently been introduced in Congress to officially name the new Reclamation/USGS office after Newell.

The new building will pay tribute to the past, but it is designed with the future in mind. Some of the latest energy-efficient technologies have been included in the construction of the new office building.

Natural light, energy-efficient geothermal heating and cooling systems, outdoor native vegetation, water reclamation systems and recycled and low-toxic building materials all play a part in the building's design.

Directions:

From Fort Street and Robbins Road intersection, go east on to Robbins Road. Stay on Robbins Road until the t-intersection with Collins Road. The new building will be clearly visible.

# # #

Reclamation is the largest wholesale water supplier and the second largest producer of hydroelectric power in the United States, with operations and facilities in the 17 Western States. Its facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation, and fish and wildlife benefits. Visit our website at www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR.